Nortriptyline for headaches
 

Ive had a horrific tension headache for the past two weeks (was concussed in June 2012). Was put on amitryptiline for my migraine headaches, came off it as it made them worse. Went to the doctors today and she prescribed this, has anyone been on it? How did you get on?

Nortriptyline is very similar to amitriptyline but some find it works better for them.

Have you tried icing your upper neck and behind your ears?

watch out for elavil and pamelor.... they can cause crazy reactions, with me rapid rapid rapid mood swings... euphoric one minute swerving in front of semi suicidal the next. i also flipped my SUV while on it then was almost arrested because of my rapid cycling moods hysterically crying, then screaming at officer like i was a drill sergeant, then back to crying, luckily mom came to scene and explained.... obviously this isnt the case for everyone and may work well for you but thats the only med out of well over 50 that terrified me... be careful with it lol

PaperShoes,
When coming off amitriptyline you have to reduce the dosage slowly. My doctor recommended reducing the dosage by 2.5 mg for two weeks and then trying another reduction of 2.5 mg etc.

I have reduced my amitriptyline dose to 2.5 mg nightly but it has taken me years, 3 years I think, to do so. If I tried to just come off it I was in pain. So, I think that you should discuss with your doctor a gradual reduction, if that is what you want, and perhaps go onto another medicine at the same time. I went onto pregabalin. I am currently taking 125 mg pregabalin three times a day.

However, if the amitriptyline works with no side effects then you could just keep on that. I am assuming that that is not the case or you wouldn't be trying to reduce the dose.

Good luck,
CS

Thanks. I was on amitryptiline 10mg for two weeks, but I found it made my headaches worse, even if this was an adjustment period I couldn't bear the headaches. I came off them cold turkey as I felt two weeks on 10mg was not enough to build up substantially in my system to cause great withdrawal problems. I am hesistant to take any tablet such as these, as on amitryptiline I felt completely zombified, very irritable, lashing out at those I loved etc.

I did try icing the upper neck/behind the ears this evening, is it supposed to help with headache?

Icing can help with headache -- you can also try putting your feet in hot water at the same time.

thanks, may i ask how it works? :)

I think it helps change the blood flow? Not real clear on the exact mechanism. On other parts of the body you can alternate heat and ice, but that's not recommended for the head.

Thanks alot :)